New Ann Forshaw’s Milk Shed launches at SPAR Derwent in Keswick

There was udder excitement in the air at SPAR Derwent in Keswick on Thursday with the launch of a new Ann Forshaw’s Milk Shed.

The store in Penrith Road has launched its new vending machine offering up fresh whole milk and flavoured milkshakes, with milk delivered daily from Alston Dairy at Longridge, near Preston, the home of the Ann Forshaw’s brand.

There is more to come for SPAR customers in Cumbria this Spring with roll outs of Milk Sheds taking place soon at SPAR Bowness and SPAR Maryport.

SPAR Derwent is the second Cumbrian SPAR store to launch a Milk Shed after SPAR Milnthorpe in November last year, and it is dispensing gently pasteurised and non-homogenised fresh milk in 500ml or one litre servings, competitively priced at £1 and £1.60 respectively.

Open 24-hours-a-day, milkshakes are available too at £1.80 for a 500ml size or £2.80 for a one litre serving. They are in five delicious classic flavours of Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana, Vanilla, and Salted Caramel. A sixth Limited Edition milkshake flavour will always be on rotation to complement the core range.

Red Velvet will be the special flavour for the week running to Valentine’s Day, and special edition glass bottles with love hearts on them will be available to purchase from the machine.

February half term will also see a showcase of retro throwback flavours, and these include Cream Soda, Parma Violet, Cola, Lime, Candy Floss, and Mixed Berry.

All the milkshakes use natural flavourings and colourings where possible and do not contain the ‘Southampton Six’ food colours which have been found to have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

Customers will also have the option to purchase Milk Shed branded reusable glass bottles at £1.80 for a 500ml or £2.20 for a one litre size, enabling repeat, plastic free purchases. Recyclable cardboard cups and paper straws offer a free, environmentally friendly alternative.

Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, owner of SPAR Derwent, said: “Wherever we launch an Ann Forshaw’s Milk Shed, our SPAR customers love the concept, and we have high hopes that our latest launch will be lapped up by the community in Keswick.

“We are also rapidly rolling out Milk Sheds across Cumbria as we believe that the concept and the products are right for the market. We are very excited to launch Milk Sheds at our company-owned SPAR stores in Bowness and Maryport soon to bring a point of difference to our offer.

“There is nothing not to like about the product. The milk is competitively priced, and the milkshakes are a delicious treat and suitable for all ages with the conscious decision to utilise natural flavourings.”

Customers can keep up to date with Milk Shed news by following the social media accounts on Instagram via the handle @annforshawsmilkshed or on Facebook at Ann Forshaw’s Milk Shed.

Ann Forshaw’s and its associated Alston Dairy was acquired by the James Hall Group of Companies in December 2022.

James Hall & Co. Ltd is a fifth-generation family business which serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston.

For more information about James Hall & Co. Ltd, please visit www.jameshall.co.uk.